Early Childhood Teacher

Job Overview

The Hanover Park Park District is seeking a caring, energetic, and dependable Early Childhood Teacher to support our Preschool, Early Childhood, Before & After School Care (BASC), camps, and youth programs. This position is responsible for creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment that promotes children's social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development while providing exceptional service to families.

If you enjoy helping children learn, grow, and gain independence through hands-on experiences and positive relationships, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation & Schedule

• Starting at $18.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience
• Part-Time 3 (PT3) position with an average of 29 hours per week
• Additional evening, weekend, special event, camp, or field trip hours may be required

Essential Duties

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons, activities, and learning experiences that support children's growth and development.
• Create and maintain a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and engaging classroom environment.
• Encourage creativity, exploration, independence, and positive social interaction among participants.
• Supervise children at all times and ensure District safety procedures, program standards, and participant ratios are maintained.
• Utilize positive behavior management techniques to promote appropriate behavior, conflict resolution, and social development.
• Assist children with age-appropriate self-care activities, including handwashing, dressing, and organization of personal belongings while maintaining participant dignity and safety.
• Prepare classrooms, learning centers, instructional materials, supplies, and equipment needed for daily activities.
• Support snack and meal periods while promoting age-appropriate independence, nutrition, and hygiene practices.
• Communicate with parents and guardians regarding program activities, accomplishments, concerns, developmental observations, and upcoming events.
• Maintain attendance records, medication documentation, accident and incident reports, and other required program records.
• Assist with field trips, special events, open houses, Preschool Graduation, camps, and community outreach efforts.
• Transport participants in District vehicles when assigned and follow all District transportation and safety procedures.
• Assist with inventory, classroom supplies, facility organization, and other program support activities.
• Serve as a positive representative of the Hanover Park Park District and contribute to a high-quality experience for children and families.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education, Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred
• Experience working with preschool-aged children preferred
• Knowledge of child development principles and age-appropriate teaching practices
• Ability to establish a positive, developmentally appropriate learning environment
• Strong classroom management, communication, customer service, and organizational skills
• Valid driver's license required
• Ability to meet District vehicle operation and insurability requirements
• CPR, AED, and First Aid certification preferred or ability to obtain within a designated timeframe

Why Join Hanover Park Park District?

At Hanover Park Park District, our employees make a meaningful impact every day by creating positive experiences for children, families, and the community. We are committed to providing a supportive work environment where staff can develop professionally while helping participants learn, grow, and thrive.

To Apply

Applications will be reviewed as received. Position will remain open until filled.

The Hanover Park Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 29.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Experience:

• early learning: 3 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Hanover Park, IL 60133 (Required)

Work Location: In person